It is not so much the destination as the voyage itself that matters.

January 01, 2013

RUDDY TURNSTONE

A Ruddy Turnstone enjoys a clam dinner on the beach at Fort DeSoto State Park:

The mass of beach detritus (in the picture below) was jumping around as if there were an earthquake under it. It took a few minutes before I saw the birds that were making it move. Three or four Turnstones had dug under the sticks and were tossing the material up and down as they burrowed under it for more to eat.

From Audubon Society Field Guide. Eastern Region: Turnstones are named from their method of feeding, in which they walk along the beach, deftly roling small stones and pebbles and seizing the animals hiding underneath. They also dig holes in the sand, often larger than themselves, in pursuit of burrowing crustaceans.

It was shells and twigs that they were turning over here, but whatever they're working on, the beach is a real buffet for these little guys. (They're about 8 inches long.)

Looks like he's had enough to eat for now!

This post is linked to WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY. Thank you Stuart. And if you haven't already seen yesterday's post on our eagle neighbors, you may want to scroll back to it. (It isn't often that I have enough birding experiences to post twice in one week and I'm excited about it!)

What an interesting bird, one I have never heard of.
I don't think that they are native to Australia, maybe Stewart M may know???
Sea gulls seem to do similar things here on the beaches and beach parks and are quite brilliant at the rubbish bins in opening bags of left over picnic food.
Cheers
Colin (Brisbane. Australia)

Beautifully captured photos of the Turnstones Sallie! Lovely little birds. Thanks for stopping by. I enjoyed reading how you celebrated New Years on your boat. Happy New Year to you and all your Loved Ones! :)

Sallie, these are fantastic images!!! I have never heard of this bird, so it was a delight learning about them. They sort of remind me of sandpipers in appearance. They must not be as skittish because you were able to get pretty close, unless you have a very good zoom lens!

Beautiful shots of the Turnstones!
Here it's impossible to go out and look for birds as my camera is not waterproof.
Thanks for sharing your local eagles, I have to look at them each time I visit you.
Have a great day, Sallie.
Mette